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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Ask For It summary
Linda Babcock
Sara Laschever
How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Want
19 mins
Brief summary
Ask For It by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever is a guide for women to overcome the hurdles of asking for more at work, such as better pay, promotions, and job flexibility. It teaches women to be assertive and confident in negotiations.
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Ask For It
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Find out what you want in life by asking what’s missing.
When we were children, grown-ups often asked us what we wanted to do when we grow up. Even now, as adults, we still get asked the same question.
Unfortunately, for most of us, the answer isn’t easy. In particular, it’s hard for modern-day women to separate their true desires and ambitions from what they’ve been told they should want. This is because women have been socialized to act according to what is expected of them instead of being encouraged to follow their personal wishes.
For example, Vanessa, a friend of the author’s, didn’t know which career to pursue after college. Since both her mother and sister had become teachers, she thought that it was only fitting that she follow the same path. However, once she entered the profession, she found it wasn’t the job for her.
Knowing that she needed a change, Vanessa closed her eyes and tried to imagine what she truly wanted. What she saw was herself working somewhere outdoors, among nature, and she realized that she wanted to work in a garden. Vanessa then went on to start her very own landscaping company.
To work out what you want in life, you need to start by asking yourself what’s missing.
One way could be rediscovering old activities that you used to partake in and enjoy. Michele, another friend of the author’s, was a principal. She had a good job and a loving family, but despite it all, there was a part of her that felt unfulfilled. Remembering her childhood, Michele was reminded of how she used to enjoy drawing and sketching. Turns out it was creativity that was absent from her life, and so she signed up for drawing classes and rediscovered a favorite hobby. As a result, Michele’s life became more balanced and full of happiness.
After you work out what you want, you’re ready to learn that you can control your own life. In the next blink, let’s have a look at making that happen.
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What is Ask For It about?
Ask For It (2008) gives women advice on how to successfully negotiate to get the jobs and salaries they want and deserve. These blinks outline the do’s and don’ts of negotiation so that those who aren’t used to asking for more can learn how to do so the right way.
Ask For It Review
Ask For It (2008) by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever is an insightful book that delves into the art of negotiation and helps readers develop crucial communication skills. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides practical strategies for effective negotiation in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal goals.
- The book explores gender dynamics in negotiation, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by women and providing empowering solutions.
- With its engaging anecdotes and research-backed insights, the book keeps readers captivated, ensuring that the topic of negotiation remains anything but boring.
Best quote from Ask For It
It sounds like a little thing, but doing something completely different from what I [usually] do – I cant tell you what it did for my sanity.
—Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever
Who should read Ask For It?
- Women who want to be better negotiators
- Anyone who’s afraid to ask for what they want
- Women looking to further their careers
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Book summaries like Ask For It
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Ask For It FAQs
What is the main message of Ask For It?
The main message of Ask For It is that women can improve their negotiating skills to advocate for themselves and achieve their goals.
How long does it take to read Ask For It?
The reading time for Ask For It varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Ask For It a good book? Is it worth reading?
Ask For It is definitely worth reading! It offers practical tools and strategies to help women navigate the negotiation process and gain confidence in advocating for themselves.
Who is the author of Ask For It?
Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever are the authors of Ask For It.
What to read after Ask For It?
If you're wondering what to read next after Ask For It, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Politics of Promotion by Bonnie Marcus
- Split the Pie by Barry Nalebuff
- Negotiation Genius by Deepak Malhotra & Max H. Bazerman
- The 3-Minute Rule by Brant Pinvidic
- Getting More by Stuart Diamond
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Get Smart! by Brian Tracy
- Small Moves, Big Life by Andrea Leigh Rogers
- Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths by Steven Shwartz
- Comandante by Rory Carroll